These people attended the festivities in Portland for the annual tree lighting Sunday evening. PHOTO GALLERYSbtt Photo Nick Pulsinelli Belt and Beyond

Community Christmas Cantata

A Community Christmas Cantata, "Sing Alleluia! Christ Is Born" will be presented on Sunday, December 10 at 3:00 pm in the Sanctuary at Grace United Methodist Church, located at 404 East Mountain Ave. in Pen Argyl, PA. The choir is composed of singers from various churches in the Slate Belt Area and will be directed by Mr. Walter Cole, senior choir director at Grace UMC and accompanied by Mr. William Stine. A free will offering will be taken to benefit the Hope UCC Food Pantry in Wind Gap, PA. The church is fully handicapped accessible with ample parking. Come and be blessed by the music recounting the birth of our Lord and Savior. Call 610-863- 6472 or 610-863-4811 for information or directions.

Beating Holiday Stress

No matter the reason—financially strapped, rowdy shopping crowds, family drama, and battling seasonal flues—there are plenty of stresses during the holidays. However, some effective stress-busting strategies can certainly put some joy back into the most wonderful time of the year. That’s why we’ve beat Santa to a gift of ten jolly Christmas-survival strategies… Accept That You Can’t Do It All. The tendency to go overboard with gifts, food, and family gatherings can really wear us down during the holidays. Does an extra dozen gingerbread cookies really make that much of a difference? Instead, realize that you can’t do everything on your own. Enlist helpers to make the essentials happen and leave some time to relax and actually enjoy the holidays. Give Yourself a Gift…of Relaxation. Muscles a little achy from all of that holiday shopping? Give yourself a gift of a massage to work the knots of tension out of those muscles. A spa certificate makes a great gift for busy relatives who don’t take time for themselves as well. Take Advantage of Short Days. The shorter days and longer nights of winter mean more hours in the dark and greater risk of seasonal affective disorder (or SAD), a condition that can often be eased by taking advantage of those wee hours of sunlight. So get outdoors on sunny days and look into purchasing a phototherapy emitter (a box that sits on your bedside table and emits full-spectrum light). Energize With Honey. If you’re energy is lagging around the holidays, add some honey to your tea or coffee instead of refined sugar for an instant boost! Natural honey contains antioxidant and antibacterial properties that also strengthen immunity. Host Family Gatherings At a Restaurant. Typically mom or grandma get stuck with all of the work if you host the holidays are their home. However, by switching the celebrations to an outside venue, like a restaurant or country club, you will make family meals enjoyable and relaxing for everyone in attendance—including Nana. Turn Off the Tech. Christmas can be depressing if you’re not close to your family, but are exposed to constant Facebook updates about everyone else’s joyous holidays. Give yourself some peace by switching off the gadgets and enjoying being in the present and relaxing as much as you can. Turn Up Your Favorite Tunes. Listening to music—it doesn’t have to be Christmas music either—will actually banish stress during the holidays. The upbeat rhythm will increase oxygen and blood flow, which is healthy for the heart and the soul.

These people were enjoying the festivities in downtown Bangor at the annual tree lighting festival Friday night. PHOTO GALLERYSbtt Photo Nick Pulsinelli Belt and Beyond

Weather Related Forecasts

Air QualityModerate

DrivingVery Good

RunningVery Good

​PPA Awards The Pocono Arts Council will present the 2017 PPA Awards in the ARTSPACE Gallery at the Pocono Arts Council, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg at 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 30.

Wildlife artist Barbara Beyer sketches a drawing at the Mt. Bethel Ladies Auxiliary Craft show held at the fire station Saturday in Mt. Bethel. PHOTO GALLERYSbtt Photo Larry Cory

Tree Lighting East Bangor Volunteer Fire Company will have a Tree Lighting on December 1st. From 6:00-7:00pm there will be free crafts for the kids to make. The tree lighting is at 7:00 and there will be hot chocolate and cookies from 7:15 to 8:00.​Pen Argyl’s Holiday Celebration On Friday, December 1 st at 6:30 PM, Pen Argyl Borough will host a very special evening at the Weona Park Community Center. Mayor Sabatine, Borough Council and the Pen Argyl Outreach Committee invites the families of Pen Argyl to attend the Pen Argyl’s Holiday Celebration at the Community Center located in Weona Park. Join friends, family and neighbors for a joyous holiday celebration. As always, to get the community in the holiday spirit, Holiday carols will be sung and entertainment by Scott Wagstaff, ventriloquist. Santa Claus will be making a special trip to Pen Argyl to visit the good children of the Borough and will be giving small gifts to all the young children in attendance. There will be free drinks and snacks. The goodies, drinks and gifts are being donated by local businesses and Pen Argyl Borough Council. In case of inclement weather the event will be held Sunday, December 3 at 1:00 P.M. For more information or if you would like to make a donation contact the Pen ​Argyl Borough Manager, 610-863- 1822.​

NCCs Chorus Holiday Concert Get into the holiday spirit by listening to the sacred and secular holiday music of Northampton Community College’s community chorus on Friday, December 1, at 7 p.m. in Lipkin Theatre, Kopecek Hall, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Under the direction of Rosemary Murdy-Haber, the vocal ensemble will perform selections that include all your holiday favorites. Admission is a non-perishable food item to benefit the needy, or a $5 donation to the NCC Chorus Scholarship Fund. For more information, email rhaber@northampton.edu.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY - November 30

Folies Bergere stage first revue 1886

Once a hall for operettas, pantomime, political meetings, and vaudeville, the Folies Bergère in Paris introduces an elaborate revue featuring women in sensational costumes. The highly popular “Place aux Jeunes” established the Folies as the premier nightspot in Paris. In the 1890s, the Folies followed the Parisian taste for striptease and quickly gained a reputation for its spectacular nude shows. The theater spared no expense, staging revues that featured as many as 40 sets, 1,000 costumes, and an off-stage crew of some 200 people. The Folies Bergère dates back to 1869, when it opened as one of the first major music halls in Paris. It produced light opera and pantomimes with unknown singers and proved a resounding failure. Greater success came in the 1870s, when the Folies Bergère staged vaudeville. Among other performers, the early vaudeville shows featured acrobats, a snake charmer, a boxing kangaroo, trained elephants, the world’s tallest man, and a Greek prince who was covered in tattoos allegedly as punishment for trying to seduce the Shah of Persia’s daughter. The public was allowed to drink and socialize in the theater’s indoor garden and promenade area, and the Folies Bergère became synonymous with the carnal temptations of the French capital. Famous paintings by Édouard Manet and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec were set in the Folies. In 1886, the Folies Bergère went under new management, which, on November 30, staged the first revue-style music hall show. The “Place aux Jeunes,” featuring scantily clad chorus girls, was a tremendous success. The Folies women gradually wore less and less as the 20th century approached, and the show’s costumes and sets became more and more outrageous. Among the performers who got their start at the Folies Bergère were Yvette Guilbert, Maurice Chevalier, and Mistinguett. The African American dancer and singer Josephine Baker made her Folies debut in 1926, lowered from the ceiling in a flower-covered sphere that opened onstage to reveal her wearing a G-string ornamented with bananas.

Gift of Life Organ Donor AwarenessBangor Woman Organizes Promo Night​

Lisa Rigione of Bangor is a donor Mom. Her son Mike DeBiase was an organ donor and saved six lives when he passed away from a brain bleed in February, 2015. He was 23. Twenty Two people die everyday waiting for a transplant. Lisa helped organize a Gift of Life Organ Donor Awareness Night to bring awareness to the importance of organ donation. She also volunteers and speaks for the Gift of Life. She was lucky enough to partner with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms Hockey team for a night of awareness which will be held 7:05pm Saturday, February 17 at the PPL center in Allentown. The Gift of Life will be the Phantoms' Non-profit of the night. Tickets are $20.00 (lower level). Go to www.pplcenter.com then to Events and tickets tab, find promotions and type "GIFTOFLIFE" Promo code:GIFTOFLIFE, additonal fees may apply.

Toys for Tots Drop Off Locations​ First United Methodist Church, 55 N. 3rd St., Bangor and their Thrift Store at 38 Broadway, Bangor have been designated drop off locations for Toys for Tots. The are currently accepting donations through December. Toys must be unwrapped and new. ​​

BASD Wellness Walking Programs ​ The Bangor Area School District Wellness Committee wants to extend an invitation to the families in our school community to participate in the following healthy activities throughout the school year. These are programs that the faculty eagerly awaits and competes in each year. Project Zero: November 20-January 2, 2018: The goal of this program is to maintain your weight throughout the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Eat in moderation and exercise to break even! 10,000 Steps: April 2, 2018- May 2, 2018: This is not a team walk rather it is an individual walking program where you find the average of your daily steps and set a personal goal to increase the steps each day. Strive to achieve 10,000 steps a day! To find the average; record your steps for any 3 days and divide the total by 3 and that will give you an average of steps walked per day) Here you can find a way to compete among family members, friend groups, or with neighbors. Be creative in the rewards or prizes! Look for more information on the Bangor Area School District web page under the wellness link or email them at wellness@bangorsd.org

Pen Argyl Park Yoga: Mondays and Thursdays at the Weona Park Community Center at 6 P.M. Please contact Janelle Connolly at 484-707-5961 or http://www.namastefit.org Weona Park community center building. All levels welcome. Beginners encouraged to attend. Class fee will be $10 Please bring a mat, towel and small blanket. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to class start. Dress in clothing that you can easily move in and feel comfortable in. Recommend dressing in light layers

Friends of the Bangor Public Library Events The Friends of the Bangor Public Library announce the following Save-the-Date” events:​​​​​

December 2nd: Breakfast w/ Santa @ The Bee Hive Community Center

The Friends meet the 3rd Thursday of each month @ 7:00 PM at the Library. New members are always welcome. For additional information contact: Karen Brewer @ 610-588-8615

Totts Gap Arts Events Schedule

December 10Community Open House​

Heritage Center Calendar of Events

Slate Belt Heritage Center Calendar of Events for 2017​​​​​​

Sunday, December 10, 2 PM- “The Great Slate Belt Trivia Contest”-Master of Ceremonies, Marc Blau will host a trivia game for teams of four or make your own team or just show up and join in another team. Prizes for the winners.

Sunday, January 14, 2 PM- TBA

Sunday, February 11, 2 PM- TBA

Sunday, March 11, 2 PM- “The Life of Blaine Reimel” – James Paynter relates the life of the Slate Belt’s first fatality in World War II.

Thursday, April 12th, 7 PM – TBA

Thursday, May 10, 7 PM – “Memories of the Slate Belt” presented by former Bangor resident and graduate of the class of 1964, David Blau.

Thursday, June 21, 7 PM – “Annual Preservation Awards”.

Thursday, July 12, 7 PM – “Restoration of the Slate Hoists” – Mike Piersa will conduct an outdoor presentation of the manufacturing and operation of the restored Flory slate hoists which now reside in Bethel Park.

Thursday, August, 9, 7 PM- TBA

Thursday, September 13, 7 PM- TBA

Thursday, October 11, 7 PM- “Haunted Heritage Program”.

Thursday, November 8, 7 PM- “World War I Veterans”- presented by William Casamassima.

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Civil Air Patrol Meets Every Monday The Civil Air Patrol 807th Braden Squadron meets every Monday Night from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Bangor VFW or Braden Airpark, Easton Call for meeting location on given night: 610-588-1459 http://cap807.com/​

​ Letters To The Homefront Book Orders Letters to Homefront: “A Love Story Between a Community and its World War II Soldiers” is now in its second printing stage. The Slate Belt Heritage Center is now receiving orders for the books. Those interested in making a purchase can send a check for $40.00 to the Center @ 30 North 1st Street, Bangor, PA w/Att: Homefront Book. Distribution will be on Saturday, December 2nd from 9 -Noon. (just in time for Christmas presents). For additional information contact: Karen Brewer @ 484-894-5661​

​DiscoverE Adventure Backpacks Available When: Monday thru Saturday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM Where: Jacobsburg Visitor Center, 400 Belfast Road, Nazareth Borrow a backpack full of kid-friendly tools to explore Jacobsburg! These backpacks are best for families with young children. Each backpack includes binoculars, notepad, colored pencils, magnifying lens, bug box, dip net, and five field guides for exploring the pond, insects, birds, trees, butterflies and moths. For more information call 610-746-2801 or email jacobsburgsp@pa.gov.

Going out of Town?

Going out of town? Let SBRPD know that your house will be vacant and we'll do frequent drive-bys to ensure that you home is watched. Follow the link below, hover over the "Contact Us" tab and fill out a vacation /Residence Check Request. Officers will swing by your house and check it out for you. Safe travels... http://slatebeltpd.com/

Musical Instrument Collection Drive

﻿ The BAHS Alumni Association is running a drive to collect used musical instruments to be donated to Bangor’s elementary band program. The instruments will be used as loaners for students who cannot afford to buy or rent them. They will take them regardless of their condition. If you have a musical instrument that is gathering dust, and you want to make a difference in a child’s life, call 610-588-5198. We will pick them up or tell you where you can drop them off. Let’s keep the music coming! Your donations may be tax deductible. Visit slateralums.com for more information.

PPA Awards The Pocono Arts Council will present the 2017 PPA Awards in the ARTSPACE Gallery at the Pocono Arts Council, 18 N. 7th Street, STROUDSBURG at 6:00 pm.​

December 1​

Pen Argyl’s Holiday Celebration On Friday, December 1 st at 6:30 PM, Pen Argyl Borough will host a very special evening at the Weona Park Community Center. Mayor Sabatine, Borough Council and the Pen Argyl Outreach Committee invites the families of Pen Argyl to attend the Pen Argyl’s Holiday Celebration at the Community Center located in Weona Park. Join friends, family and neighbors for a joyous holiday celebration. As always, to get the community in the holiday spirit, Holiday carols will be sung and entertainment by Scott Wagstaff, ventriloquist. Santa Claus will be making a special trip to Pen Argyl to visit the good children of the Borough and will be giving small gifts to all the young children in attendance. There will be free drinks and snacks. The goodies, drinks and gifts are being donated by local businesses and Pen Argyl Borough Council. In case of inclement weather the event will be held Sunday, December 3 at 1:00 P.M. For more information or if you would like to make a donation contact the Pen ​Argyl Borough Manager, 610-863- 1822.

​NCCs Chorus Holiday Concert Get into the holiday spirit by listening to the sacred and secular holiday music of Northampton Community College’s community chorus on Friday, December 1, at 7 p.m. in Lipkin Theatre, Kopecek Hall, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Under the direction of Rosemary Murdy-Haber, the vocal ensemble will perform selections that include all your holiday favorites. Admission is a non-perishable food item to benefit the needy, or a $5 donation to the NCC Chorus Scholarship Fund. For more information, email rhaber@northampton.edu.

Tree Lighting East Bangor Fire Co. will have a Family Fun Night Tree Lighting on December 1st. From 6:00-7:00pm there will be free crafts for the kids to make. The tree lighting is at 7:00 and there will be hot chocolate and cookies from 7:15 to 8:00.​

December 2

Toys for Tots Toy Drive Event Enjoy a magical afternoon Saturday December 2 from 1-4pm at Plainfield Fire Co, and help our U.S. Marines deliver Christmas to children in need throughout Northampton County. Santa will arrive by helicopter at 1:00 compliments of Mr. Nolan Perin, Chesty, the Marine Bulldog Mascot will arrive on Margaret the Pink Fire Truck & they will be escorted by Local police & fire departments. Meet the true heroes of Christmas, the U.S. Marines, and thank them for their service. FREE 4x6 photos in the Rockin' photo booth with Santa! Christmas Music by Dice Productionz, interactive Lionel Train Display, huge Lego Display, Make your own Santa Snacks by Ignite Fitness, Magical Reindeer Food Buffet by Miss Rose's Preschool, decorate your own cookie & Santa key chain craft by Bangor Daycare, Hot Chocolate Station by the Girl Scouts, Activity by Slate Belt YMCA, activity by Waste Management, Gifts from Santa, Vendors & MORE. Please bring with you a donation of a new, unwrapped toy for a child 0-12 years of age! Portland Lodge No. 311 is proud to host & organize this event!

Night of Light Night of Light Hosted by Luke William Hahn Foundation will be held Saturday, December 2 at 7 PM at Grace United Methodist Church 404 E Mountain Ave, Pen Argyl. Join them as they remember those we have lost with a ceremonial candle lighting, inspirational speakers and heartwarming music. This non-denominational event is open to children and adults of all ages, and there is no cost to attend. While registration is not required, it is appreciated.To RSVP email lukehahnfoundation@gmail.com.

Relay for Life Fundraiser at BloomJoin us on December 2nd @ 6pm for our annual Lehigh Valley East "Relay for Life" joint fundraiser @ Bloom! We will be painting this popular holiday ornament pallet in the color of your choice! Space is limited so sign up early! this event is opened to the public. Register below to reserve your space!

Jamie Kent at Nazareth Center For the Arts Jamie Kent and his band will play songs from the new record at the Nazareth Center For the Arts. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7:30 pm. Matthew Szlachetka opens the night, previewing songs from his own upcoming record, "Heart of My Hometown". Tickets are $25 and available in advance at: NazarethArts.Org. ​

Breakfast with Santa Slate Belt Rotary invites you to join them on Saturday, December 2 at 9:00 am at Scorecard Sports Bar & Grill in Wind Gap. Their Sixth annual breakfast with Santa benefitsCoats for Kids. Give the gift of warmth for kids whose families cannot afford winter coats. In addition, each year we feed over 80 kids for free.

27th Annual Old Time Christmas Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm will present its 27 th annual Old Time Christmas event on December 2, 3 and December 9, 10 with candlelit tours leaving every 15 minutes beginning at 3:00 p.m., with the last group going out at 7:00 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa The Friends of the Bangor Public Library will hold their 5th annual “Pancake Breakfast with Santa’. The event will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 9:00 AM – 12 Noon at the Bee Hive Community Center, 197 Penna. Ave., Bangor, PA. There will be a visit with Santa, in addition to crafts, photos and more. Tickets are on sale at the library and will also be available at the door. Price is Adults: $5.00, Children (ages 2 years – 10 years): $3.00. Children ages 1 and under are free. All proceeds benefit the Bangor Public Library. For additional information contact: Karen Brewer at 484-894- 5661.

Victorian Christmas Tea Trinity Lutheran Church will hold it's annual Victorian Christmas Tea on December 2 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $7.00 each and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Bring your daughters, granddaughters, sisters, nieces and friends for an afternoon of fun. Everyone who wears a fancy hat to the tea will be entered into a drawing for a special prize. Call the church office at 610-588-2023 to reserve your tickets.

Families First Holiday Bazaar Families First will be having a Holiday Bazaar and Vendor Craft Fair at the Wind Gap Middle School Gymnasium on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Free Admission!!!! With over 25 Vendors a Basket Raffle and Concessions - All proceeds will benefit Families First’s Adopt-A- Family/Giving Tree. Families First is non-profit in the Pen Argyl Area School District that provides support to families and individuals in need, through a variety of means, since June 6, 2002. For additional information, about Families First, volunteering or to contribute, please call the Director of Families First, Frank Jones, at 610-863- 3688 or visit their website www.penargylfamiliesfirst.org.

December 3​

Intermediate Watercolor ClassPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg​Instructor Iraina Caramelli1-4pm Come join us in this ongoing watercolor journey and discover the flexibility of this wonderful medium. We will cover composition, form, shapes and definitely color!!! Students can work from photos that they have taken or utilize the still life that will be set up during each workshop. A very free approach will be explored where your creativity takes wing. JOIN THE JOURNEY!MATERIALS LISTTuition: Member $85/Non-Member $95: Senior Member $75/Non-Member $85

27th Annual Old Time Christmas Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm will present its 27 th annual Old Time Christmas event on December 2, 3 and December 9, 10 with candlelit tours leaving every 15 minutes beginning at 3:00 p.m., with the last group going out at 7:00 p.m.

​Free Dinner The East Bangor United Methodist Community Church welcomes you to a FREE "Ham & Turkey" Dinner on Sunday, December 3rd, from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. The church is located at 136 W. Central Ave. (Rt. 512), East Bangor, PA. Questions? call 610-588-4453 or visit http://ebumc.org/. ​​​

December 5​

Drawing WorkshopPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg6:30-8:30pmNever taken a drawing class before? Feel rusty or simply lack confidence? This class is for you. Beginning with a simple contour, you will use line to discover a variety of shapes and forms from a still life to the human figure. The foundational and formal aspects of sketching and drawing will be demonstrated. Explore the steps in drawing from an idea to a sketch to a completed drawing.MATERIALS LISTTuition: Member $75/Non-Member $85: Senior Member $65/Non-Member $75

BHS Choirs Winter Concert Bangor Area High School choirs will hold their winter concert Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30pm in the M. Craig Paine Performing Arts Theater. Performing Ensembles will be the Concert Choir, Symphonic Choir, and Chamber Choir.

​Free RN/LPN Reactivation/Review Info Sessions at NCC Free information sessions will be held at Northampton Community College for nursing professionals with an inactive or international license who would like to re-enter the workforce. Programs will ensure those interested in returning to practice will have everything they require to begin the classes in January 2018. For more information and to register for a session, please visit www.northampton.edu/HealthcareCourses. For questions, please call 610-332-6585. Tuesday, December 5, at the Fowler Family Southside Center in Bethlehem, Room 505, 6 p.m. Thursday, December 7, at the Monroe Campus in Tannersville, Room 011 Kapp Hall, 6 p.m. Monday, January 8, at the Fowler Family Southside Center in Bethlehem, Room 505, 7 p.m.​​

December 6​

Wendy’s fundraiser Come out to Wendy's in Wind Gap on December 6th between 5:00 and 8:00 pm. Wendy's will be donating 10% of the sales to Blue Mountain Community Library.

Wednesday Evening Painting WorkshopPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg“Painting Alla Prima” (all at one go)Instructor John McAllister6:30-8:30pm All painting mediums welcome, watercolor, tempera, acrylic, oil, whatever you are comfortable with. Bring your own materials and instructor John McAllister will help you with composition, color, value and basis techniques. The focus of the workshop is to complete or nearly complete a painting in one 2 hour sitting.Tuition: $10.00 ​ ​

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Oil Painting ClassPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., StroudsburgInstructor John McAllister6:30-8:30pm This ongoing workshop focuses on the individual, helping them to develop their own personal style and technique working with the oil medium. Learn how to develop your painting by understanding drawing and composition, light and shadow, color, preparation of materials and the application of paint. Working at your own pace, you pick the subject while the instructor guides you through the painting process.MATERIALS LISTTuition: Member $75/Non-Member $85: Senior Member $65/Non-Member $75

Holiday Card Workshop-Art of Linoleum PrintingPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg.Instructor Iraina CaramelliOne Day, December 7, Thursday1-3pm Linoleum printing dates very far back in art history and involves carving an image into linoleum. From this stage you can print and reproduce many times. In this workshop each participant will create 5 cards, however, you can then create many more cards at home.REGISTRATION CUTOFF DATE IS NOVEMBER 20, 2017MATERIALS FEE: $10.00Tuition:Member $15/Non-Member $20

​Free RN/LPN Reactivation/Review Info Sessions at NCC Free information sessions will be held at Northampton Community College for nursing professionals with an inactive or international license who would like to re-enter the workforce. Programs will ensure those interested in returning to practice will have everything they require to begin the classes in January 2018. For more information and to register for a session, please visit www.northampton.edu/HealthcareCourses. For questions, please call 610-332-6585. Tuesday, December 5, at the Fowler Family Southside Center in Bethlehem, Room 505, 6 p.m. Thursday, December 7, at the Monroe Campus in Tannersville, Room 011 Kapp Hall, 6 p.m.​ Monday, January 8, at the Fowler Family Southside Center in Bethlehem, Room 505, 7 p.m.

Hidden Money Public HearingThis past summer, Rep. Joe Emick joined a group of rank-and-file state legislators to uncover more than $3 billion in special fund accounts and fund balances they hoped to use to support the state budget as an alternative to tax increases. They’ve also discovered transfers of money in May that involved attempts to hide revenue from legislators and the public. The money became part of a budget bill that passed the House but not the Senate. The Representatives were promised future hearings on these controversial sources of revenue, and the House Appropriations Committee is prepared to investigate our claims. This Thursday, Dec. 7, the committee will conduct a public hearing on the special funds related to the Department of Transportation. You can watch that hearing on Rep. Emrick's website, www.RepEmrick.com, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Subsequent hearings are scheduled for the following week. ​​

December 8 & 9​

Photos with Santa​ Historical Bangor Business Association will have photos with Santa available on December 8th and 9th. On December 8th Santa will be available for pictures at Merchants Bank on Broadway from 4-7pm. On December 9th have your children's picture taken with Santa at Pies to Die For Cafe from 2-5pm. The cost for each photo is $5.00.​

December 9​

​Breakfast With Santa At FUMC The First United Methodist Church, 55 N. 3rd St, Bangor will host a "Breakfast and Photos with Santa" on Saturday, December 9th from 9:00 am to 12:00. Free for everyone! In addition to a hot breakfast and pictures with Santa, kids will also have the opportunity to bake homemade Christmas cookies, enjoy crafts and play games. Register online https://firstumcbangor.ticketleap.com/santa/

27th Annual Old Time Christmas Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm will present its 27th annual Old Time Christmas event on December 9, 10 with candlelit tours leaving every 15 minutes beginning at 3:00 p.m., with the last group going out at 7:00 p.m.

2nd Ward Children's Christmas Party The 2nd Ward volunteer fire company at 517 S. Northampton St. Bangor, PA is having its annual children's Christmas party on December 9th at 1 PM at the firehouse. The children and grandchildren of 2nd Ward residents 12 years of age and younger are welcome to attend. Please contact Cheryl at 610-588-4213, Lisa at 610-599-7993, or Missy at 610-588-6344 with age, sex, and name of children by December 1st. Santa will be arriving by fire truck.

East Bangor Park Tree LightingEast Bangor Park will hold its second annual tree lighting on Saturday, December 9th. The festivities start at 6:30pm; Santa arrivs at 7:00pm and there will be caroling, cookies and hot chocolate.​

Animal Shelter Fundraiser On Saturday December 9th, 6:30pm at Bangor Trust Brewery, 15 Broadway, Bangor, PA. a fundraiser will be held to help raise funds for a new local animal shelter. Bloom Creative Studio will be the guide to help you paint a paw print glass, all materials provided: glass, paint, brushes & a complimentary beer or wine of your choice. Register on line at www.bloombangor.org click on upcoming events or call 610-588-4775​

Lookout Fire Company #1 Annual Toy BINGO Saturday, December 9th, 1:00pm, Weona Park Community Center, Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania. Purchase of tickets will only be available the day of the event, with doors open 11:00am. For more information please email us at info@lookout reco.com. All proceeds from this event benefit the Lookout Fire Company #1.

2017 Holiday House TourThe Bethlehem Historic District Association (BHDA) announces its semi-annual Holiday House Tour on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For a complete list and photos of all the tour properties and a map of locations, visit www.bhdaonline.org or @BHDAhousetour on Facebook.

Winter Fest at Dansbury Depot Dec. 9 1-5:30 PM Tree lighting at 5:30 PM The Annual Winter Fest and Tree Lighting at The Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg is a wonderful event where young and old will find a variety of activities to help celebrate this special season. The tree lighting will take place at 5:30 PM. Activities begin at 1. A Santa Train will run at 12 and 2. A dinner will be served on the 4 o’clock train. The event will be filled with music, refreshments, craft making, and horse and carriage rides. Pony rides will be available weather permitting. Kidz Krafts, a silent auction, and a model train display will be inside the depot. Great Christmas gifts will be available for sale at the vendor booths. One may want to visit the restored depot and see first-hand the prized treasure that has been restored to its former glory. Also on site, is the only remaining wooden Railroad Switch Tower on the Delaware Lackawanna line. Visit the tower to observe how the switches were used to control movement of the trains in the area. At5:00, singing and music will lead up to the tree lighting that will occur at 5:30. Come and join the festivities but think about less fortunate people, too. .A collection of canned and dry foods will be collected for the Salvation Army at the depot during the month of December. Items may be brought to the festival or delivered to the depot from 9AM to Noon on week days.​

27th Annual Old Time Christmas Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm will present its 27th annual Old Time Christmas event on today with candlelit tours leaving every 15 minutes beginning at 3:00 p.m., with the last group going out at 7:00 p.m.​​Intermediate Watercolor ClassPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., StroudsburgInstructor Iraina Caramelli1-4pm Come join us in this ongoing watercolor journey and discover the flexibility of this wonderful medium. We will cover composition, form, shapes and definitely color!!! Students can work from photos that they have taken or utilize the still life that will be set up during each workshop. A very free approach will be explored where your creativity takes wing. JOIN THE JOURNEY!MATERIALS LISTTuition: Member $85/Non-Member $95: Senior Member $75/Non-Member $85

​Community Open House Community Open House Hosted by Totts Gap Arts will be held Sunday, December 10 at 12 PM - 4 PM at 1494 Totts Gap Rd, Bangor, Pennsylvania 18013What better way to reflect on the accomplishments of the year, than with Totts Gap Annual Community Open House? Join them at Totts Gap Arts and see the last dance showcase of the year, and enjoy art created by our students. Light refreshments will be served, so plan on spending the afternoon with us, and get ready for another year! Free Admission. Kid Friendly.

​Breakfast with Santa An All-You-Can-Eat Pancake breakfast with Santa will be held at the Washington Twp Fire Co. 920Washington Blvd, BangorSunday December 10 from 8-Noon. Tickets are $7.00 and available at the door, Age 3 and under free. Photos with Santa available to purchase. All sales are final. No refunds.

The Great Slate Belt Trivia Contest The Slate Belt Heritage Center, located at 30 North 1st Street, Bangor, PA will hold its first “Great Slate Belt Trivia Contest” on Sunday, December 10th @ 2:00 PM. Master of Ceremonies, Marc Blau will host a trivia game for teams of four or make your own team or just show up and join in another team. Prizes will be awarded to individual team member winners. Refreshments will be available. The event is free and open to the public. Come join the fun. For additional information contact: Karen Brewer at 484-894-5661.

​Sing Alleluia! Christ is Born! A Community Christmas Cantata will be presented on Sunday, December 10 at 3:00 pmin the Sanctuary at Grace United Methodist Church, located at 404 East Mountain Ave. in PenArgyl, PA. The choir is composed of singers from various churches in the Slate Belt Area andwill be directed by Mr. Walter Cole, senior choir director at Grace UMC and accompanied byMr. William Stine. A free will offering will be taken to benefit the Hope UCC Food Pantry inWind Gap, PA. The church is fully handicapped accessible with ample parking. Come and beblessed by the music recounting the birth of our Lord and Savior. Call 610-863- 6472 or 610-863-4811 for information or directions.​

December 11​

AARP Christmas Party Slate Belt AARP Chapter 4135 will hold its Christmas Party on Dec. 11th at noon at TK's in Mt. Bethel. If attending please call Deanna at 610-588-4623for more info.​

December 12​

Drawing WorkshopPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg6:30-8:30pmNever taken a drawing class before? Feel rusty or simply lack confidence? This class is for you. Beginning with a simple contour, you will use line to discover a variety of shapes and forms from a still life to the human figure. The foundational and formal aspects of sketching and drawing will be demonstrated. Explore the steps in drawing from an idea to a sketch to a completed drawing.MATERIALS LISTTuition: Member $75/Non-Member $85: Senior Member $65/Non-Member $75

​Christmas Luncheon Celebration Bloom will hold a Christmas luncheon celebration on Tuesday, December 12 at 12 noon. The event will be held at Tuscarora Inn and Conference, 3300 River Road, Mt. Bethel, PA. Handcrafted gifts will be available for purchase from 11:30 am to noon and again after lunch. There will be an artist's auction and stories from survivors. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased online at bloombangor.org. All proceeds support Bloom, a 2 year restorative community for women overcoming addiction, trauma and trafficking. For more information, contact Andrea at 917-232-5869.​

December 13​

Wednesday Evening Painting WorkshopPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg“Painting Alla Prima” (all at one go)Instructor John McAllister6:30-8:30pm All painting mediums welcome, watercolor, tempera, acrylic, oil, whatever you are comfortable with. Bring your own materials and instructor John McAllister will help you with composition, color, value and basis techniques. The focus of the workshop is to complete or nearly complete a painting in one 2 hour sitting.Tuition: $10.00​

December 14​

Oil Painting ClassPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg​Instructor John McAllister6:30-8:30pm This ongoing workshop focuses on the individual, helping them to develop their own personal style and technique working with the oil medium. Learn how to develop your painting by understanding drawing and composition, light and shadow, color, preparation of materials and the application of paint. Working at your own pace, you pick the subject while the instructor guides you through the painting process.MATERIALS LISTTuition: Member $75/Non-Member $85: Senior Member $65/Non-Member $75

Milk and Cookies with Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus Pen Argyl’s Family Dental Care Office, Dr. Gary Williams, DMD & Staff, will host Santa & Mrs. Claus on Thursday, December 14th, 2017 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm at their office, 225 South Robinson Avenue in Pen Argyl.Miss Rose’s Preschool in West Bangor will provide some lively Holiday musical selections at 5:15pm in the Dental Office Reception Room area. The Lunch Room, on South Robinson Avenue, will have some amazing Christmas refreshments for all who attend! Dr. Williams had proudly organized and provided “Christmas on South Robinson” for many years, and most recently, all of the above groups participated in “Christmas in a Small Town” in Pen Argyl. This year, they are all back at the dental office location providing this fun activity for all the Slate Belt families. They hope to provide an intimate setting where each child in attendance will have an unrushed visit with Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus, and receive a little gift. There will be a Food Barrel for contributions of non-perishable foods to help the area food banks during the busy holiday season. Everyone should be sure to bring a camera for beautiful photo opportunities during the festivities!

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December 15​

BHS Band Winter Concert Bangor Area High School bands will winter concert will be held on Friday, December 15 at 7:30pm in the M. Craig Paine Performing Arts Theater at Bangor Area High School. The Concert and Symphonic Bands will each present their own portion of the concert. At the conclusion of the program, both groups will unite on stage for a grand finale complete with a Christmas Carol sing-along and our annual performance of Sleigh Ride conducted by a jolly special guest. Please join us on December15 to share in the holiday joy! For more information visit: bahsbands.weebly.com

Cat Spay/Neuter clinic The Cat Spay/Neuter clinic will be held December 15 at Sun Porch Pooches Pet Grooming, 420 Belvidere Corner Rd., Mount Bethel, PA 18343. Cost is $15 for feral cats, left ear tip required also rabies, and $40 for house cats includes rabies and distemper. These prices are for residents of the Slate Belt Area only or if the cat was adopted through us. Please call Karen at 484-619-1394. They are filling up fast so please call and make your reservations early. ​

December 16​

National Free Throw Contest​ Bangor Lodge #1106 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is pleased to announce the Elks National Hoop Shoot to be held beginning at 1:00 PM on Saturday December 16, 2017 at the Washington Elementary School, 381 Washington Blvd, Bangor, PA. This Free Throw Contest is open to boys and girls ages 8 through 13 and is free to all contestants. Registration will be open beginning at noon on December 16, 2017 at the school gymnasium. Beginning at the local level, winning contestants will advance through District, State, Regional, and National competitions. The Elks helps sponsor contestants and their families at every level of competition. One boy and one girl from each division will win a national title at the National Finals and have their names inscribed in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Two National Champions will receive the Getty Powell Award for most baskets made during the National Finals. The Elks National Hoop Shoot Program, sponsored by the Elks National Foundation, provides a character-building, competitive experience for all contestants. Contestants learn about the importance of respect and good sportsmanship. The Bangor Lodge is a proud sponsor of this annual local event. Winners of this local event will represent our Lodge at the District Free throw competition, also being held at Washington Elementary on February 3, 2018. ​

​Breakfast with Santa in Roseto Columbia Fire Co. No. 1 is Roseto will be sponsoring a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday December 16th from 9-11am at the Roseto Municipal Building. The event is open to all children from Roseto borough as well as children and grandchildren of current Fire Co. members. Cost is FREE for those under 10. Adults and children 10 and over, the cost is $8. Please call 610-588-0597 or email kidsparty@columbiafireco.org for reservations.​

December 16 & 17​

Santa Gift Delivery Mt. Bethel and North Bangor Volunteer Fire Companies will deliver gifts from Santa to your children on Saturday, December 16th from 4-7pm and Sunday, December 17th from 1-4pm. For a $10 donation, Upper Mount Bethel resident can have a pre-wrapped gift delivered to their home by Santa on a Fire Truck. Residents who want to participate can sent their donation (make checks payable Mount Bethel Fire Company) along with their name, address, phone number, email, children's name(s) and ages and the date you'd like delivery to Fire Chief Chris Finan, Attn.: Santa Delivery, 48 Shawnee Drive, Mount Bethel, PA 18343 not later than December 1st. If you'd like to participate but need payment assistance, you can contact Township Board Chairman John Birmignham at johnabermingham@aol.com. All pre-wrapped gifts must be dropped off at Mount Bethel Fire House, 2341 North Delaware Drive, on Friday, December 8th from 5-8pm or Saturday, December 9th from 9am-12pm. If you have any questions, please call Chris Finan at 570-807-7495 or Nancy Finan at 570-807-8160 You can also send an email to MBFC1750@ptd.net re: Santa Delivery.

​Furry Paws with Santa Claus Slate Belt Animal Advocacy Group is hosting Dog Photos with Santa on December 16th at Baby Harry Coffee Co. on Broadway in Bangor. Photos are by appointment and will be taken in the back room of Baby Harry's between 11am and 2pm. The cost is $10 and you will receive and 8X10 photo with copyright release. Appointments are made in 10 minute intervals so please be on time. This is for dogs only and they must be on a leash. The dog's owner will be responsible for keeping the animal under control at all times. If you have more than one dog, they can be in the same picture or you can reserve multiple time slots. Make your reservation by Paypal to BangorPADogPark@gmail.com. Once your payment is made, please send them a message to reserve your time slot.​

December 17​

Intermediate Watercolor ClassPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., StroudsburgInstructor Iraina Caramelli1-4pm Come join us in this ongoing watercolor journey and discover the flexibility of this wonderful medium. We will cover composition, form, shapes and definitely color!!! Students can work from photos that they have taken or utilize the still life that will be set up during each workshop. A very free approach will be explored where your creativity takes wing. JOIN THE JOURNEY!MATERIALS LISTTuition: Member $85/Non-Member $95: Senior Member $75/Non-Member $85

December 19​

Drawing WorkshopPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg6:30-8:30pmNever taken a drawing class before? Feel rusty or simply lack confidence? This class is for you. Beginning with a simple contour, you will use line to discover a variety of shapes and forms from a still life to the human figure. The foundational and formal aspects of sketching and drawing will be demonstrated. Explore the steps in drawing from an idea to a sketch to a completed drawing.MATERIALS LISTTuition: Member $75/Non-Member $85: Senior Member $65/Non-Member $75​​

December 20​

Wednesday Evening Painting WorkshopPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg“Painting Alla Prima” (all at one go)Instructor John McAllister6:30-8:30pm All painting mediums welcome, watercolor, tempera, acrylic, oil, whatever you are comfortable with. Bring your own materials and instructor John McAllister will help you with composition, color, value and basis techniques. The focus of the workshop is to complete or nearly complete a painting in one 2 hour sitting.Tuition: $10.00​

December 21​

Oil Painting ClassPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg​Instructor John McAllister6:30-8:30pm This ongoing workshop focuses on the individual, helping them to develop their own personal style and technique working with the oil medium. Learn how to develop your painting by understanding drawing and composition, light and shadow, color, preparation of materials and the application of paint. Working at your own pace, you pick the subject while the instructor guides you through the painting process.MATERIALS LISTTuition: Member $75/Non-Member $85: Senior Member $65/Non-Member $75​​

December 22​

PAHS to Hold "Senior Day" The Class of 2020 at Pen Argyl Area High School will hold a "Senior Day" on Friday, December 22, 2017 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Doors will open at 8:15.Enjoy listening to the sounds of the chorus and jazz band. We will be serving a continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for all attendees. Other activities include quoits, tours of the building, technology lessons, and Bingo! This event is open to all senior citizens of thePen Argyl Area School District. Space is limited, so please RSVP as soon as possible. All reservations must be made no later than December 15 by calling 610-863-1293 Ext. 1.​

December 26​

Drawing WorkshopPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg6:30-8:30pmNever taken a drawing class before? Feel rusty or simply lack confidence? This class is for you. Beginning with a simple contour, you will use line to discover a variety of shapes and forms from a still life to the human figure. The foundational and formal aspects of sketching and drawing will be demonstrated. Explore the steps in drawing from an idea to a sketch to a completed drawing.MATERIALS LISTTuition: Member $75/Non-Member $85: Senior Member $65/Non-Member $75​​

December 27​

Wednesday Evening Painting WorkshopPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg“Painting Alla Prima” (all at one go)Instructor John McAllister6:30-8:30pm All painting mediums welcome, watercolor, tempera, acrylic, oil, whatever you are comfortable with. Bring your own materials and instructor John McAllister will help you with composition, color, value and basis techniques. The focus of the workshop is to complete or nearly complete a painting in one 2 hour sitting.Tuition: $10.00​

December 28​

Oil Painting ClassPocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. 7th St., Stroudsburg​Instructor John McAllister6:30-8:30pm This ongoing workshop focuses on the individual, helping them to develop their own personal style and technique working with the oil medium. Learn how to develop your painting by understanding drawing and composition, light and shadow, color, preparation of materials and the application of paint. Working at your own pace, you pick the subject while the instructor guides you through the painting process.MATERIALS LISTTuition: Member $75/Non-Member $85: Senior Member $65/Non-Member $75​​

​December 30​

Basketball Clinic​ The Pen Argyl Lady Knights will be hosting a basketball clinic on Dec 30 at Wind Gap Middle School- 9-11AM- open to all girls and boys grades 3-6. Cost will be $15. Hope to see you there! #TraditionStartsNow​

January 8​

Free RN/LPN Reactivation/Review Info Sessions at NCC Free information sessions will be held at Northampton Community College for nursing professionals with an inactive or international license who would like to re-enter the workforce. Programs will ensure those interested in returning to practice will have everything they require to begin the classes in January 2018. For more information and to register for a session, please visit www.northampton.edu/HealthcareCourses. For questions, please call 610-332-6585. Tuesday, December 5, at the Fowler Family Southside Center in Bethlehem, Room 505, 6 p.m. Thursday, December 7, at the Monroe Campus in Tannersville, Room 011 Kapp Hall, 6 p.m.​ Monday, January 8, at the Fowler Family Southside Center in Bethlehem, Room 505, 7 p.m.​

Irish Tin Whistle Workshop BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania - Celtic Cultural Alliance announces an Irish Tin Whistle workshop on January 27, 2018, as part of its continuing mission to promote and preserve the Celtic culture through arts, music, literature, dance, and history programs. Our Irish whistle workshop with instructor Chris Finnegan, will teach the basics of how to play traditional tunes on a D tin whistle to students over age 14. Students will learn the basic fingering and how to get a good sound from the instrument. Simple music will also be introduced. Students should bring their own whistle, and Walton's is the recommended brand. It can be purchased from Donegal Square, 532 Main St., Bethlehem. Chris Finnegan is an Uilleann Piper and Whistle player from Old Bridge, New Jersey. He has performed extensively in the United States and Ireland and holds the distinction of being the Piper to the Regimental Headquarters Staff of the “Fighting 69th” (1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, New York Army National Guard). In addition to the Uilleann Pipes, Chris also plays the Double Bass, Guitar, and Great Highland Bagpipes. Chris performs regularly as a solo musician, in duos and with the Irish Music groups Blackwater and Ballycastle. The class will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Life in Christ, 51 E. Hillmond St., Bethlehem. The cost is $30, and information and registration can be found at http://www.celticfest.org/irish_tin_whistle_workshop. For more information on the Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival and other Celtic Cultural Alliance events, visit the organization’s website at www.celticfest.org.​​

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: To provide instruction regarding the knowledge and skills while participating in an activity of this kind. To provide the necessary supervision/direction for the participating students, both individually and as a group for school and athletic events throughout the year.

REQUIREMENTS: Should possess the knowledge and skills associated with which to coach football. Should possess the ability to direct/supervise a program of this kind. In addition, please refer to the attached page for the requirements when applying for a position.SALARY: As per PAASD Supplemental Salary Schedule; dependent upon years of experience